What to expect when you’re expecting? Well, to a lot of beautiful moments, because it’s the most important period in a woman’s life. Of course, your body is changing in so many ways buy the joy of delivering your baby on this world won’t replace it with anything.

Among these changes is diastasis recti, the separation of your abdominal muscles, because your body is making extra room for your baby during pregnancy. But, there is some good news after hearing this, especially if you care about your look even after pregnancy.

Right after giving birth you are not allowed to make any effort, and you should respect that. Then, ask your doctor when you can perform the next exercises to get back in shape, more precisely to restore your abdominal muscles.

So, get to the core of your ab separation with the following 6 exercises. Make sure to incorporate core compressions to really help strengthen your midsection.

How to: Get on your hands and knees with your hands shoulder-width apart and your knees hip-width apart. Look just in front of your hands and maintain a neutral spine. Hold this position
From here, perform one core compression and then, while holding the first contraction, perform a second, feeling your stomach draw in closer to your spine
Pause, then relax the compressions
Perform two five-minute sets per day

How to: Stand tall with your feet hip-width apart about 1.5 feet in front of a wall
Bend your knees and hips to squat down so your back is flat against the wall
Hold this position
From here, perform one core compression and then, while holding the first contraction, perform a second, feeling your stomach draw in closer to your spine
Pause, then relax the compressions
Perform one two- to three-minute set 2-3 times per week

How to: Get in a side plank position on one forearm with your elbow directly underneath your shoulder
Bend your bottom knee so your foot is behind you for extra support. Your body should form one straight line from head to heels
Hold this position
From here, perform one core compression and then, while holding the first contraction, perform a second, feeling your stomach draw in closer to your spine
Pause, then relax the compressions
Perform one 30-second set, one 60-second set, and one 90-second set on each side 2-3 times per week

How to: Lying on your back on the floor, plant your left foot on the ground, knee bent and right leg straight out in front of you
Place your hands slightly behind you
Inhale, then, with your right foot turned slightly outward, exhale and lift your leg up toward the ceiling, keeping your knee straight
Think about pulling your belly button in and up toward your spine for that core compression
Repeat for 20 reps, then switch sides
Perform two sets

How to: Standing on your right leg, with knee slightly bent and hands on your stomach
Your left leg should be just slightly out in front of you, toes on the floor and pointing slightly outward
Inhale and then on a forceful exhale, lift your left leg up toward the ceiling, just a slight bend in your knee
You should feel your abs pull in and up toward your spine
Return your foot back to the floor and repeat
Do 20 reps, then switch sides
Perform two sets

How to: Holding a light dumbbell (2 to 5 pounds) in each hand, stand with feet hip-width apart, slight bend in your knees
Lean slightly forward at the hips and pull your elbows back so your hands are at your waist
This is your starting position
With palms facing each other, straighten your arms back behind you on a forceful exhale
Remember to pull your belly button in and up toward your spine
Bend your elbows again to return to the starting position
Repeat for 20 reps and two sets